Nagaland is one of seven states located in northeast India. Nagaland borders Burma and is not far from the countries of Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.

Nagaland is roughly the size of West Virginia in America and has a population of about 2 million. The state is mostly mountainous with some of the highest peaks reaching 8,000 ft. above sea level.

The Nagas are tribal people of Mongolian descent who probably migrated to the region centuries ago.

Approximately sixteen Naga tribes live in Nagaland proper, while scores of other Naga tribes live in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Burma.

Each tribe has its own distinct language and customs, though all of the Naga tribes share some similarities.

Naga men in traditional dress.

Go to Photo of Nagas

The Past meets the Future

The Nagas are an ancient people going through a modern transition. For centuries the Nagas were isolated and backward. Fierce and greatly feared, the Nagas were head-hunting warriors with almost no contact with the outside world.

But 125 years ago American Baptist missionaries first began to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Nagas. As the light of eternal life slowly spread, the Nagas were transformed to a peaceful and gentle people.

Most Nagas today claim to be Christians, yet sadly very few have a clear Biblical understanding of salvation through faith.

Throughout their existence the Nagas have been a separate and independent people. But in the 1800’s most Nagas were subjugated to British rule in India and Burma. In the 1950’s the Nagas revolted against newly independent India, resulting in an armed struggle which continues to this day.

In 1963 the Nagas were granted their own state within India. However, not all the Nagas have accepted this measure as a final solution. Today, Nagaland remains controversial and unsettled. Many of the Nagas are unsure of their future.

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